Adopt a Child’s Smile celebrates 25 years

A healthy smile can change a life and the Adopt a Child’s Smile Program has helped provide new opportunities to local children for 25 years.

The program has helped 1,081 children in need of basic dental care, along with 26 orthodontic cases, thanks to the help of 51 active and retired dentists, orthodontists and specialists. It accepts Midland County children who don’t qualify for dental care through insurance, Medicaid or their parents’ resources.

The program was founded in October 1988 after Rotary Club member Glen Williams, who led the Midland Community Tennis Center at the time, wanted to use proceeds from the first Dow Corning Tennis Classic to help local youths. A group of Rotary members met and Judge Donna Morris suggested helping teens she saw through the court system who needed dental care.

“If the teeth are terrible, children don’t want to smile and show their teeth; it’s an embarrassment,” said Morris, who has since retired. “They need all the self esteem they can have, and that really knocks it down. Other kids laugh at them, call them names. Children aren’t always kind.”

By addressing the issue, Morris has seen lives changed for the better. One girl told Morris she gained the confidence to overcome hardships in her life and earn good grades in school. “It changed her life,” Morris said.

Once Morris offered the idea, Dr. Don Carlsen, a local orthodontist, helped champion the cause, Morris said. Fundraisers continued and the local dental community got involved, donating their resources and working for reduced rates.

Since its founding, the program has provided a total of about $358,000 in basic dental services, including $193,000 that was donated and $165,000 that was reimbursed. For orthodontic care, the program has provided about $147,500 in services, with $127,100 donated and $20,400 reimbursed.

Carlsen, who has since retired, said the program shows the spirit of the community.

“It’s about helping children in Midland who otherwise wouldn’t receive dental care,” he said. “It’s about the dentists who have given of their time so people can receive care.”

Improving the lives of children is an investment in the community’s future, Carlsen said. He said adding orthodontic care to the program allows professionals to help in more severe cases.

“Those with severe problems are being bullied or teased,” he said. “It’s a real problem when kids don’t want to go to school because other kids tease them about the way they look.”

Orthodontic care can cost thousands of dollars over the course of years, but those involved agree to accept an $800 reimbursement, Carlsen said.

“Sometimes the things that are most worthwhile are things you don’t get paid for,” he said.

The program truly is about building the self esteem of young people in Midland County, Dr. Dale Davis said.

“There are times where orthodontics can really change a person’s life,” he said. “...It’s a great program. I’m proud to be a part of it.”

Dr. Bart Thompson said he does more than clean the children’s teeth and fill cavities; he also offers dental hygiene and general health tips.

“We really try to build relationships with these kids and their families,” he said. “By showing compassion and getting involved in their overall health, you build relationships with them.”

The program can expose children to dental health careers and provide them an outlet if they need to talk, Thompson said.

“We also just try to be positive, caring adults in their lives,” he said. “Sometimes they’re in short supply.”

The program has continued to receive Rotary funding through the years, along with support from local foundations, companies, service groups, churches and individual donations.

Judge John H. Hart was involved when the idea got off the ground.

“Nothing’s better than people doing good things in the community,” he said. “You have people like Don Carlsen, Bob Klomparens and Larry Lang and you have Rotary here ... cheering kids on who are much less fortunate than us,” he said.” Wouldn’t it be a great world today if everybody did a little something for somebody less fortunate.”

Tracie Gratson, who took over coordination of the program when longtime volunteer Kathy Anderson stepped down, said the original concept of the program 25 years ago still matters today.

“It was a great concept and to see it 25 years later doing what they thought it would do, I think it’s great,” she said.

Morris said it’s wonderful to see the program still at work 25 years after it began.

“I think it’s this wonderful Midland community,” she said. “I know of no other community that does orthodontic work for children. It’s our great, great people.”

Carlsen said the program is not as busy as it had been in the past as other programs have helped fill the gaps in care for area children, but the program will continue to exist as long as there are needs to be met.